Norway booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Senegal 3-2 in New Jersey on Monday. After the victory, the players joined the supporters in celebrating “Viking Row”, led by captain Martin Ødegaard.Viking Row has become a popular tradition among Norwegian fans during the games. Supporters pose as a Viking longboat and imitate the rowing movements to the beat of the drum, compared to Iceland’s famous “Viking Clap” from Euro 2016.The Norwegian fans sang the song at all their World Cup matches as well as in the host cities of Boston and New York City. Following Monday’s victory, the players and coaches joined in the celebration with the fans.Player of the match Erling Haaland said he is keen to take part in the event if Norway wins.“I saw it online; it’s over,” Haaland told Fox Sports. “Martin [Ødegaard] he asked me before the game started: ‘Do you think we should join?’ I said, ‘if we win, let’s do it, why not?’After the final whistle, Haaland, teammates and coach Ståle Solbakken went to the Norwegian fans, sat down and joined the Viking Row celebration.Haaland scored twice in the game, making his tally four goals in the game. He is still in contention for the Golden Boot alongside players such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.Captain Ødegaard set the tone for the celebration by beating the drums as the players and supporters joined in after the game.The Viking line represents unity, strength and teamwork. Based on the image of the Vikings rowing together before the war, the fans united to show their support for the national team.On the pitch, Norway took the lead in the 43rd minute through Marcus Holmgren Pedersen. Haaland then added goals in the 48th and 58th minutes to set Norway up and help them qualify for the knockout stages.The results confirm Norway’s second place in Group I. Their final match of the French football team in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Friday will decide who tops the group.
